The bill establishes a new section in chapter 28A.160 RCW that mandates the superintendent of public instruction to provide transportation safety net awards to school districts that demonstrate a significant need for additional funding to transport special passengers, specifically homeless and foster students. These awards are contingent upon the school district's transportation expenditures exceeding the amounts provided under existing law and any reimbursements from various agencies. The awards are limited to the excess costs incurred by the districts and are subject to specific eligibility criteria, including the requirement for districts to report their excess costs and the services provided.

Additionally, the bill outlines the award periods for which school districts can receive funding based on the grade levels of the special passengers, and it stipulates that after the award period, students may need to arrange their own transportation. The superintendent is tasked with creating rules for the application and award process, and the total amount available for these awards will be specified in the omnibus appropriations act. The bill also clarifies that charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools are eligible for these awards, and it explicitly states that the transportation safety net awards do not count as part of the state's basic education program.